I often complain about the empty nature of modern music. That most songs don't even attempt to communicate. Catchy without content.
This often segues to my broad and incorrect dismissal of guy-girl romance songs as being too shallow for the beautiful and powerful potential that is the art of music.
Yet, at the same time, I find myself rooting for the love storyline in every new TV show I watch.
So, where does my hypocrisy come from? I obviously don't think we are out of things to say/show/feel in this grandiose world of love. So, what's the difference?
Is it simply because it's harder to build tension and work to a satisfying resolve in the huge span of a 3-minute song - whereas a season or more of television gives you plenty of time to fall for the love story yourself?
More simply put, do the brevity of songs require a different way of telling a love story?
September 17, 2012
Getting Smarter vs. Getting Art’r
Not until college did I develop a real passion for learning. But, I fell pretty hard for it.
And for the past few years, I've been relatively obsessed with becoming the smartest person on Earth. But now (perhaps due to the fact I have not yet become that), I'm questioning the tactic altogether.
Whether or not possessing knowledge is all that valuable if you are unable to persuade others of its merits?
Whether or not it is even mere knowledge that truly persuades, or whether art is more effective at doing so?
For instance, I can provide you with economic statistics that speak to the real societal problems of gender preference, neglect and abuse.
Or I can show you this video.
And the video wins.
Because while knowledge is persuasive. So is emotion. So is beauty. So is music. And the arguments get better when you include them.
So, while I currently have what I believe are the "arguments" for a few things I am particularly passionate about, should my next pursuit be, not to enhance these argument, but rather determine the most artistically compelling way to present the information I currently have?
We're going to keep diving into this this week, until you've convinced me what to do with the next small part of my life.
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And for the past few years, I've been relatively obsessed with becoming the smartest person on Earth. But now (perhaps due to the fact I have not yet become that), I'm questioning the tactic altogether.
Whether or not possessing knowledge is all that valuable if you are unable to persuade others of its merits?
Whether or not it is even mere knowledge that truly persuades, or whether art is more effective at doing so?
For instance, I can provide you with economic statistics that speak to the real societal problems of gender preference, neglect and abuse.
Or I can show you this video.
And the video wins.
Because while knowledge is persuasive. So is emotion. So is beauty. So is music. And the arguments get better when you include them.
So, while I currently have what I believe are the "arguments" for a few things I am particularly passionate about, should my next pursuit be, not to enhance these argument, but rather determine the most artistically compelling way to present the information I currently have?
We're going to keep diving into this this week, until you've convinced me what to do with the next small part of my life.